The Kunsthaus Bregenz and the British artist Antony Gormley (born in 1950) are realising a unique project in the mountains of Vorarlberg. Horizon Field will be the first art project of its kind erected in the mountains and the largest landscape intervention in Austria to date.

Horizon Field consists of 100 life-size, solid cast iron figures of the human body spread over an area of 150 square kilometers in the communities of Mellau, Schoppernau, Schröcken, Warth, Mittelberg, Lech, Klösterle, and Dalaas. The work forms a horizontal line at 2,039 meters above sea level.

This height has no specific metaphorical or thematic relevance in the placement of the statues. It is an altitude that is readily accessible but at the same time lies beyond the realm of everyday life.

According to the artist: “Horizon Field asks: Where does the human project fit within the evolution of life on this planet? The works form a field in which living bodies and active minds are involved in measuring the space and distance through the field of these static iron bodies, and of course both skiers and hikers will be part of this. This installation recognises the deep connection between social and geological territory; between landscape and memory.”

The individual sculptures will be mounted at intervals ranging from sixty meters to several kilometers, depending on the topography, looking in all directions but never facing each other. Some of the figures will be installed in places one can hike to or ski past in the winter. Others will be unapproachable, though visible from certain vantage points. The works are neither representations (statues) nor symbols, but represent the place where a human being once was, and where any human being could be.

Horizon Field engages the physical, perceptual, and imaginative responses of anyone coming within its relational field. Over the two years during which this installation will be in place, the work will be exposed to the elements, to different lighting conditions, and to the changing seasons, thus enabling constantly new perceptions and impressions

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Dingus Milktoast wrote:I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand cool from an artistic perspective. On the other, aren't there already enough people in the Alps without Fixing them now (FP = Fixed people).

Can they be slung for pro? Lend a hand for a rescue? Give a belay?

Hehe.

Then my Americanism kicks in... probably OK for the Alps but donchyadare try that in the Sierra, lol.

100 seems like a lot of buck.

DMT

I can see the insurance claim now. I was rapping off an fp and...

I like his style - here is his "Another Place" at Crosby near Liverpool UK

What gives this guy the right to deface the natural environment in this way?? Over such a wide expanse of land??

Arthur Digbee wrote:What gives this guy the right to deface the natural environment in this way?? Over such a wide expanse of land??

Art and he is commissioned to do it. The place is full of summit crosses anyway

OH and PS his stuff is usually not permanently placed.